President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed instruments of clemency and pardon, completing the formal process of exercising his constitutional power of prerogative of mercy to grant relief to selected individuals convicted of various offences.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the move follows consultations with the Council of State and wide public opinion on the subject.
However, the President ordered a comprehensive review of the earlier approved list, invoking his discretionary powers under Section 175 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The review led to the deletion of persons convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession or dealing in firearms.
Others, previously listed for full pardon, had their sentences reduced or commuted.
“The decision was guided by the seriousness and security implications of some of the offences, the need to respect the rights and feelings of victims, boost the morale of law enforcement agencies, and uphold Nigeria’s bilateral obligations,” the statement said.
It added that the principle of justice as a “three-way traffic” — balancing the rights of the accused, the victim, and society — also informed the President’s careful approach.
The approved list of eligible beneficiaries has been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation in line with the duly signed instruments of release.
In a structural reform accompanying the exercise, President Tinubu ordered the immediate relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice.
He further directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new guidelines for future exercises, mandating compulsory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies to ensure that only deserving persons benefit.
Tinubu appreciated public engagement on the matter and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to comprehensive judicial reforms and improved administration of justice in Nigeria.
